How Much Do Medical Estheticians Make in Florida?

If you're wondering what a career in medical esthetics pays in Florida, you're not alone. How much you earn depends on where you work, your certifications, and whether you're in a med spa, dermatologist’s office, or independent practice.

Here’s a breakdown of earnings across the Sunshine State — with practical tips to help you maximize your income.

Average Salaries by City

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)* and Florida job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter show:

• Miami–Fort Lauderdale: $45,000–$60,000/year (~$21–$29/hr)

• Orlando–Kissimmee: $40,000–$55,000/year (~$19–$26/hr)

• Tampa–St. Petersburg: $42,000–$58,000/year (~$20–$28/hr)

• Jacksonville & Smaller Cities: $38,000–$50,000/year (~$18–$24/hr)

*Note: Florida doesn’t list “Medical Esthetician” — salaries are under “Skincare Specialists” and “Cosmetologists.”

 Med Spa vs. Dermatology Office

Example:
A Certified Facial Specialist in a Fort Lauderdale med spa might earn $50k + 25% commission — totaling $65k+ annually for pushing advanced peel and microneedling packages.

Salary Enhancers: What Makes the Most Difference?

• Certifications — Add $5k–$15k to your take-home pay

  • Advanced Chemical Peels

  • Cosmetic Microneedling

  • Laser/IPL training
    (See #4 in this series for certification impact)

• Service Add-Ons — Small upgrades yield big returns

  • Dermaplaning/Microdermabrasion: $50–100 extra/session

  • Signature peels, scalp therapy, LED light facials: $75–150 extra/session

• Location & Clientele — Beach towns and luxury markets pay more

  • Tampa average: $45k–$55k

  • Palm Beach or Miami Beach: $60k–$75k

• Commission & Tips — Can top 10–30% of annual income

  • Full commission model? Expect higher base pay but bigger room to earn

• Business Ownership — Owning your own suite or spa lets you set pricing and earn more

 Real-Life Example: Sarah in Tampa

With certifications and strong upselling, Sarah significantly boosted her earnings in just one year.

 Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

• Invest in high-value certifications — e.g., advanced peels ($100+ extra/session)
• Master consults — clearly pitch the benefits of each add-on
• Track your numbers — know which services sell best
• Market your expertise — spotlight certified treatments on your website and social media
• Offer loyalty packages — clients come back regularly, increasing annual income

Final Takeaway

In Florida, Medical Estheticians with strong certifications and sales skills can expect:

• Average earnings: $40k–$65k
• Top earners: $70k+ in high-end clinics or with ownership
• Combine base pay, service add-ons, commissions, and tips

So if you're aiming high, investing in training like microneedling, laser, and peels—and thriving in a med spa or clinic—can take you well above the $70k mark.

Related Posts in This Florida Series

• How to Get Your Facial Specialist License in Florida

• Facial Specialist vs Medical Esthetician: What’s the Difference?

• Can an Esthetician Do Injectables in Florida?

• Top Medical Esthetician Certifications in Florida

All part of your path to professional growth — follow the series to stay on top!